Surgery for Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors during the “Early Meiji Period” in 19^th Century Japan

抄録

Background: This classic article is a translation with commentary of a seminal treatise on the status of surgery for peripheral nerve sheath tumors in the “early Meiji period” of Japan. It was during the Meiji period in the 19^th century that modern medicine, even surgery for the nerve tumors, was introduced to our country. This allowed differences between Japanese and Western medicine to be investigated. Methods: “Geka setsuyaku” (Surgery Theory) was published as a textbook by Tadanori Ishiguro in 1873. This surgical text was written with reference to the works of Heschl, Gross, Stromeyer and Roser. “Shinkei ryu” (nerve mass) was described as being derived from a nerve sheath, with illustration of the resected nerve mass. We have researched the background factors contributing to understanding of such nerve masses during historical times. Results: The neuromatous tumor described in Gross′s surgery text corresponded to the nerve mass illustrations presented in Surgery Theory here in Japan. Tumor resection included a portion of the nervous system, based on medical practices available during the time period that this classic text was in use. Conclusion: This textbook has been key to the development of modern medicine. Our country was greatly influenced, particularly by Western medical theory and practice, during the “early Meiji period”.